Author of Stott Biography Receives First Pollock Award Given by Beeson Divinity School

An Anglican bishop has been named the first recipient of the John C. Pollock Award for Christian Biography, an honor established by Samford University's Beeson Divinity School.

Timothy Dudley-Smith, author of John Stott: The Making of a Leader (InterVarsity Press) will receive the award from Samford president Thomas E. Corts during a ceremony in London, England, on Sept. 26. Dudley-Smith, also a renowned hymn writer, is Bishop of Thetford (Retired).

In his biography of Stott, Bishop Dudley-Smith writes of the leader's first 40 years. The book chronicles events and ideas that shaped Stott into one of the key Christian leaders in the world today. Stott is Rector Emeritus, All Souls Church, Langham Place, London.

Volume II of Dudley-Smith's monumental biography of Stott will be released by InterVarsity Press in September.

According to Beeson Dean Dr. Timothy George, the Pollock award was established to honor the life and contributions of John C. Pollock, an Englishman who has written more than 30 books, mostly Christian biographies. His subjects have included D. L. Moody, The Cambridge Seven, William Wilberforce and Billy Graham.

In announcing the award's inaugural recipient, George noted that Pollock, Stott and Dudley-Smith have all been lifelong friends.

"Each is a distinguished evangelical minister in the Church of England. They are all great writers and winsome proponents of biblical faith," said Dr. George. "This award is intended both to honor the life and contributions of John Pollock and also to encourage a renaissance in the literature of Christian biography."

More than 40 biographies were nominated for the 2001 award.

Anyone wishing to make nominations for the 2002 Pollock award should send a letter of nomination, along with two copies of the biography to Dean Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, Al. 35229. Nominations must be received by Dec. 31, 2001.